St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1887-01-20
A GIRLS SACRIFICE.

appears I'd DO HOiuiil iONOiSOu III WV
human experience. Out of the sun
shine of great gladness the subject of
the parental Christening steps into the
shadow of disappointment and loss.
The fair skies are overcast, and the
poor, fluttering heart trembles at the
enrolling storm.
Ii was thus with Agatha Trenton.
On the heels of well-nigh bewilder-
ing happiness had come crushing dis
aster.
Agatha was the daughter of a Brake
shire clergyman, and was the eldest OF
a somewhat numerous family. Her
mother, for several years, had been a
complete invalid, and on Agatha's
shoulders rested the burden of house
hold management. 1t was not light
one. The vicar of HiltwOrth had no
private means, and his income from
tithes and endowment was not large.
There was need for considerable
scheming and for continual self-denial,
il the finance of the vicarage was to be
ordered honestly in the sight of all
men. 1t was probably the pressure of
this load of care that made Agatha
Trenton so different from other girls.
At twenty-five there were those among
her acquaintances who openly spoke of
her as old-fashioned. She was fair OF
feature and graceful of figure; the
most captiOus of critics was forced to
admit so much. But there was about
her a reticence, peculiar, subdued air
that seemed to shut her off behind
walls of mental isolation.
agatha is good girl only wish
were half as useful but she'll never
marry :" said vivaciOus Mabel Sutton
to friend. agatha keeps too much
in the background ; no lover will ven
tnre to approach"
1t was an erring prophecy. In less
than fortnight from the evening OF
its utterance, the friend who had so
gravely listened to it, had placed him
self and his fortunes at Agatha's feet.
ROderick Dalling was a good match.
He was proprietor of the mill which
had Just been opened at the north end
of HiltwOrth, and which was destined
or local opinion was mistaken-tO
revOlutionize the hitherto quiet mid
land town. He had handsome pres
ence, an irreprOachable character, the
assurance of moderate competency
any love is not the growth of yes
terday," he pleaded 'it has been de-
velOping day 10y day for months; it
grows stronger with every word heal
you speak. Give me an answer, Miss
Trenton-Agatha !"
The maiden was rosy with sur
prise, and trembled at the vehe-
mency of the young mans avOwal
But already her heart was enlisted on
Roderick's side, and before he left heI
she had shyly confessed the truth.
81 cannot deny that do-care lit
tle," she stammered "but, indeed,
can't promise what you ask-this af-
ternoOn | must have time to think
There are difficulties"
Agatha was listening, as she spoke,
to the echoes of noisy voices in the
nursery, and before her mental retina
rose the picture of the pale, suffering
mother in the adjoining room. If she
consented to forsake her home, the vi
car would have to engage house
keeper.
81 understand it ALL" Roderick re-
piled, gently. Nevertheless, l be-
lieve even your father-whO must OF
necessity lose if l gain-will advise
you to say yes" | will call tO-mor-
row and know my fate, Miss Trenton
The morrow came, but the vicar OF
Hiltworth could answer no question OF
human lips. In the night watches the
masters messenger had visited the
bedside of the faithful toiler. Francis
Trenton had gone home. 1t was heart
disease, the physician said, from which,
unsupported even by himself, he had
probably been in danger for many
years.
The outlook for Agatha was entire
ly changed. When the last sad offices
for the dear one had been fulfilled it
was necessary to look the future fairly
in the face and this forecast was far
from agreeable.
An insurance policy for no large sum
represented the resources of the be-
reaved family. Mrs. Trenton was in
despair. Fortunately, Agatha pos
sessed genuine talent for painting.
She had already earned a slender store
of gold by utilizing it, and now resOlv-
ed to make more extended and de-
termined effort to conquer the appre-
citation of paying patrons. She must
become, i'll a sterner sense than ever,
the stay of the helpless household.
With an instructive delicacy, ROder-
lex DalIing refrained, during these
days of trial, from even the remOtest
reference to the offer he had made
He expressed sympathy; he afforded
transformations assistance where an OPP
pOrtunity disclosed itself. But of love
he said nothing.
Yet the girl knew that, though ST
lent, he was simply biding his time
Sooner or later it was inevitable that
her ordeal should arrive. Alone, in
the solitude of her chamber, not sci
dom seen OH her knees she CROPPED hel
way to Il decision, aud, having reached
it, she held it fast. She wOnld give
ROderick up. She had no right to ASK
any young man to wait indefinitely
and to the struggle she had entered
she saw no limit within Il long vista
of years. 1t was impossible that she
should impose her burden upon Rod
erick, even if ne were enamOureC
enough to invite it. She must fight
her own battle with her own brain and
fingers. The young manufacturer was
expecting his brother from the North
shortly. The two would then settle
down together, and ROderick could
find a wife and hOusemistress in
Agatha thought, with a pang-Mabe
Sutton.
A whole month went by, and then
Roderick ventured to speak.
"Agatha, dearest" he said, ''can you
not give me the promise for which
am waiting8 | hope this is not toe
hasty an appeal, but | hear that DIR
Royal is about to remove from Brigh-
ton villa, and-and, if you give me per
mission, will take the house it is a
cOmmOdiOus one"
1t was the largest and best in Hit
worth, and the suggestion showed very
clearly that ROderick DAZZLING desired